Abstract
This paper is an examiniation of ALS, or amyotrophic laterial sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. The pathophysiological aspects of the disease are examined.

From the Paper
"Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of upper and lower motor neurons. The terms ALS and motor neurone disease (MND) are often used interchangeably, although ALS is the most common form of MND. About 10% of ALS cases are inherited; the remainder are believed to be sporadic cases. Neuropathologically, ALS is characterized by progressive degeneration of upper motoneurons (corticospinal neurons, and lower motoneurons in the spinal cord and brain stem, and gliosis, resulting in progressive..."

Tags:als, lou gerigh, disease

Abstract
This paper first explains that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration and destruction of motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brain, eventually leading to paralysis and death. The paper then reviews the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this illness and reports that there are still no known medications and medical procedures that can reverse the effects of ALS or prevent its onset. However, the paper indicates that extensive research to understand the mechanism of the disease is promising and could produce a significant breakthrough.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Pathophysiology
Current Research
Signs and Symptoms
Screening and Diagnosis
Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
Imaging
Spinal Tap
Muscle Biopsy
Blood and Urine Tests
Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The initial symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are typically observed in the distal portions of the body such as the hands and feet. The symptoms then slowly spread to the more proximal portions of the body including the trunk and neck. When the disease has begun to spread to these areas, the bulbar functions of speaking, swallowing and breathing begin to be affected. These body functions are named as such because they are controlled by the motor neurons found in the bulb-like portion of the brain stem."

Tags:complications, predisposition ratio, motor neurons, types riluzole

Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neuro-degenerative disorder producing deterioration of the motor cortex and motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. In particular, patients are affected by the vulnerability of the cranial motoneurons that assist speech and swallowing. The disease usually leads to death in 3 to 5 years due to respiratory complications.

Tags:acoustics, perception speech

Abstract
This paper reviews and evaluates a published medical article on ASL. The evaluation reviews the authors use of research design, statistical analysis techniques used, measurement reliability and validity, as well as format. The paper draws conclusions in terms of research replication and usefulness to the nursing profession.

From the Paper
"Research Article Critique: Chio, A, Gauthier, A. Ghikione, P. and Mutani, R. (2005). Caregiver burden and patients' perception of being burdened in ALS. Neurology, 64:1780-1782 Fairly commenting on an investigator's research endeavor is a task that must be taken seriously. Although it is quite easy to have an opinion of another's research, it is something quite different to be able to evaluate the research activity in terms of topic specificity and soundness, intent or purpose, data analysis, and informational importance. When embarking upon a critical analysis of another's work the reviewer must, at all times, adhere to the basic principle of prudent evaluation; namely, evaluating the structure of the research upon which scientific conclusion are drawn."

Tags:als, researcharticle, critique

Abstract
Provides an examination of the disease, which is characterized by a central pathology of degeneration of spinal cord and brain stem and damage to higher motor centers. Discusses acoustics and speech perception in ALS.

From the Paper
"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease involving the bulbar musculature at onset in about 25 percent of all cases (Riddel &..."

From the Paper
"Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a relatively uncommon disorder, it has been the focus of considerable scientific scrutiny. First described by Charcot in 1869, the condition involves degeneration and loss of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Although different forms of the disease have been described, a definitive pathologic mechanism has yet to be delineated. Various synonyms for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) include Lou Gehrig's disease, Charcot disease, and motor neuron disease (Rowland, 1995, pp. 1251-1252). The disorder is caused by non-specific degenerative changes of the bulbar and spinal motor neurons and their corresponding cortico-spinal tracts. Moreover, other neuronal systems may become progressively..."

Abstract
The paper looks at Al-Qaeda's historical background, ideology, motivation, support base, tactics and strategies, past activities and future threat potential and possible targets. Due to the seamless and fluid nature of Al-Qaeda, the author stresses, it is difficult to predict its potential targets and the extent of threat posed by Al-Qaeda. The paper concludes that, after the disruptions of Al-Qaeda because of the actions of the U.S. and other countries following 9/11, the organization serves more as a symbolic source of inspiration for dangerous Islamic terrorist splinter groups around the world rather than being involved directly in major terrorist plans. However, the global community cannot afford to be complacent and let its guard down.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Historical Background and Al-Qaeda's Origins
Al-Qaeda's Ideology, Motivation, and Goals
Ideological, International and Religious Support
Relationship with the United States/ Other Countries
Tactics and Strategies Used by Al-Qaeda
Selection of Victims and Targets
Past Terrorist Activities: Successes and Failures
Future Threat/ Potential Targets
My Own Analysis/ Opinion of the Terrorist Group

From the Paper
"The suicide bombings also have other inherent advantages: it is simple and inexpensive; it almost certainly guarantees mass casualties and extensive damage; there are no chances of post-attack fears of interrogation since the attacker is dead; and it has a powerful effect on the public and the media because of the horror such an attack generates. The only problem is to find people who are willing to sacrifice themselves, and due to the fanatical nature of its teachings, al-Qaeda seems to have no dearth of such people in its ranks."

Tags:mujahedeen, maktab al-khadamat, civilian infidels, smuggle symbolic

Abstract
This paper examines the ideology of al Qaeda terrorism. In particular, the paper attempts to understand why al Qaeda is particularly successful at attracting well-educated people in the Muslim world. The paper studies the appeal of radical Islamist terrorism, how it differs from terrorism of the 1970s and 1980s, and the emergence of the al-Qaeda movement. The paper then examines the theology of the al-Qaeda movement that glorifies death and the implications of radical religious based religious movements for the modern world. The paper concludes with an examination of the careers of the two top leaders of al-Qaeda: Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Tags:osama bin laden ayman al-zawahri, sayyid qutb al-qaeda alienation Terrorism

Abstract
In this paper, the author argues that the rapid changes in society have allowed power to shift to "non-state" actors. The most notorious among them is the Al-Qaeda terror network. In this paper, the organization of Al-Qaeda is evaluated and its international connections are considered the reason for Al-Qaeda's continued operations. The author also examines Al-Qaeda's financing and the shared religious beliefs among its members. The September 11th attacks are also discussed.

Outline:
Research Questions
Introduction
Loose Network of People Connections
Case 1: Bombings in Istanbul
Solid Structured Organization
Finances
Case 2: September 11, 2001
Leads of the Al-Qaeda
The Al-Qaeda Today
Case 3: The Madrid Train Bombing
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Al-Qaeda, the largest international terrorist network, is a distributed, roaming and non-territorial network. It functions as a hybrid peer-to-peer network through its combined use of advanced information technologies and traditional halawa exchanges, in which a central source triggers the actions that are carried out by individual nodes. It is organized in self-contained nodes that function autonomously and its responsibility and authority is devolved down to the lowest possible level. This networked structure of authority and accountability is most evident in al-Qaeda operations, as cells planned and carried out operations with considerable and independence."

Tags:Bin, Laden, Al-Qaeda, terrorism, 9/11

Abstract
The paper delves into the origins of the pro-jihad, pan-Islamic Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. This paper discusses the ideology of the organization, while also profiling its leader, the man believed to be the mastermind behind the 9/11 terror attack, Osama bin Laden. The writer of this paper examines Iraq's direct involvement with Al-Qaeda and that of Islamic terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who heads the Iraqi branch of the organization. This paper explores the relationship between bin Laden and al-Zarqawi as well as the groups terrorist training camps which are located throughout in the middle east. This paper also discusses the strategies used by the U.S. and Britain in combating the increasing terror coming out of both Iraq and Afghanistan.

From the Paper
"The leadership of both conjoined terrorist groups shows the national diversity of the leaders of terrorist organizations of the Muslim world, as Osama bin Laden is a Saudi, while a Jordanian leads the Iraqi group, as well as the different techniques open to the groups, from bombs to poisons, to engage in acts of mass terror. In terms of its current choice of activities, the United States military has attributed some of Iraq's bloodiest suicide bombings and some hostage beheadings to Tanzeem Qaedat Al Jihad Fee Bilad Al Rafidain. The military also believes that the group has long used Fallujah as its key base and continues to do so, despite United States control and the attempts to instate a new Iraqi government. The group now known as Tanzeem Qaedat Al Jihad Fee Bilad Al Rafidain has long used highly inflammatory ways of conveying its message and committing its acts of violence against innocent American civilians, most notably the beheading of a United States civilian."

Tags:osama, bin-laden, muslim, islam, terror, 9/11, holy, war, jihad, abu, musab, al-zarqawi, america, britain